Bay windows offer a multitude of benefits. In addition to boosting your home’s property value and aesthetics, they allow ample natural light in and can make your home feel more spacious. If you’re considering bay window installations, this quick guide breaks down the various types and their benefits. 

What Are Bay Windows?

Bay windows protrude from the walls of a building. They are a set of three windows that angle away from the home or apartment building. The middle one, called the picture window, is approximately 50% larger than the ones on the sides. Because they protrude out, they open up more floor space in the home. They come in different styles:

• Box Bay:  These consist of three windows that extend from the home in a 90-degree angle to form a box shape covered by a roof that extends from the home. This box shape opens up more floor space without having to re-position any existing walls. 
• Oriel Bay: Oriel bays are typically found over building entrances and are supported by stone or brick. They offer a Gothic-era style and are typically located on a second story or higher. These windows are ideal for bringing light to dark hallways and spaces on the upper levels of a home. 
• Canted Bay: This classic shape is the most popular and easily recognizable. With one straight pane in the middle and two windows on either side that slant outward, this style is a popular feature of Victorian-era homes.  
• Bow Bay: Bow windows differ from the traditional three-window structure and can have four or more, creating a curved appearance on the exterior of the home. 

Considerations

Because all of the options let light in, place them in darker areas to cut down on your electric costs. Also, consider the view. While each bay window type helps to show off the scenery around your home, bow bays offer more window space to maximize the experience. 

When you need bay window installation experts to upgrade your home, turn to the experts at Madison Vinyl Windows in Chenango County, NY. They’ve provided professional door and window installation and repair services to homes and businesses for over 25 years. Visit their website to learn more about their products and services, or call them for a free estimate at (607) 967-4323.